Short answer
People 65 and over, pregnant women, young children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with some medical conditions can get a free flu vaccine. Everyone else pays. Many pharmacies offer flu vaccination, some without a booking.
Photo: Nataliya Vaitkevich
Who gets it free
The flu vaccine is free for people most likely to get seriously ill from the flu:
- Children from 6 months to under 5 years
- Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
- People aged 65 and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 6 months
- People from 6 months with certain medical conditions that raise their risk
If you're eligible and aged 5 or over, a free vaccine at a registered pharmacy costs nothing, including the injection. For younger children a pharmacy may charge a fee to give it, so ask when you call.
Everyone else
If you aren't in a free group you can still get vaccinated. You pay the pharmacy's price, which varies from store to store. Some employers cover it, so check before you pay.
When to get it
Each season's flu vaccine usually reaches pharmacies in autumn. Health authorities advise vaccination before flu season peaks in winter, and say it isn't too late later in the season.
Where to get one
What to bring
- Your Medicare card, so the vaccine goes on your immunisation record
- A list of medicines you take
- Tell the pharmacist about allergies or past reactions to a vaccine
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you're unsure what's right for you, ask a pharmacist or your GP. In an emergency call 000.
